Information processing device, information processing method, and recording medium

ABSTRACT

An information processing device includes: a control unit that generates, on the basis of control information relating to tactile stimulation to be perceived by a second user as configured by a first user and on the basis of characteristics of a tactile stimulation unit that outputs the tactile stimulation to the second user, a control signal which is inputted to the tactile stimulation unit and which serves to cause the second user to perceive the tactile stimulation indicated by the control information.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuous application of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 16/968,736, filed on Aug. 10, 2020, which is a U.S. NationalPhase of International Patent Application No. PCT/JP2018/042507 filed onNov. 16, 2018, which claims priority benefit of Japanese PatentApplication No. JP 2018-025709 filed in the Japan Patent Office on Feb.16, 2018. Each of the above-referenced applications is herebyincorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to an information processing device, aninformation processing method, and a recording medium.

BACKGROUND

Various technologies for presenting tactile stimulation such asvibration to a user have been proposed. Such technology is also calledhaptic technology and is used to feedback tactile stimulation of anobject in a virtual space or a remote location to the user, for example.

Where tactile stimulation is concerned, Patent Literature 1 belowdiscloses a technology that presents vibrations that correspond todesired tactile stimulation to a user by combining a piezoelectricactuator with a vibration motor.

CITATION LIST Patent Literature

Patent Literature 1: JP 2006-136865 A

SUMMARY Technical Problem

In recent years, various tactile presentation devices have emerged. Atactile presentation device has one or more tactile stimulation unitsthat output tactile stimulation and presents tactile stimulation to auser by causing the tactile stimulation units to operate on the basis ofinputted control information. When control information for causing theuser to perceive predetermined tactile stimulation which has beenconfigured on the assumption that a certain tactile presentation deviceis being used is inputted to another tactile presentation device, thereis a risk that tactile stimulation different from that assumed will beperceived by the user. This is because there may be a difference incharacteristics such as different tactile stimulation units beingprovided for each tactile presentation device. Such a phenomenon isdesirably suppressed because it may be attributable to a deteriorationin the user experience.

Therefore, the present disclosure provides a mechanism enablingabsorption of a difference in the characteristics of each tactilepresentation device when tactile stimulation is presented to the user.

Solution to Problem

According to the present disclosure, an information processing device isprovided that includes: a control unit that generates, on the basis ofcontrol information relating to tactile stimulation to be perceived by asecond user as configured by a first user and on the basis ofcharacteristics of a tactile stimulation unit that outputs the tactilestimulation to the second user, a control signal which is inputted tothe tactile stimulation unit and which serves to cause the second userto perceive the tactile stimulation indicated by the controlinformation.

Moreover, according to the present disclosure, an information processingmethod executed by a processor is provided that includes: generating, onthe basis of control information relating to tactile stimulation to beperceived by a second user as configured by a first user and on thebasis of characteristics of a tactile stimulation unit that outputs thetactile stimulation to the second user, a control signal which isinputted to the tactile stimulation unit and which serves to cause thesecond user to perceive the tactile stimulation indicated by the controlinformation.

Moreover, according to the present disclosure, a recording medium isprovided whereon a program is recorded, the program serving to cause acomputer to function as a control unit that generates, on the basis ofcontrol information relating to tactile stimulation to be perceived by asecond user as configured by a first user and on the basis ofcharacteristics of a tactile stimulation unit that outputs the tactilestimulation to the second user, a control signal which is inputted tothe tactile stimulation unit and which serves to cause the second userto perceive the tactile stimulation indicated by the controlinformation.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

As described hereinabove, according to the present disclosure, providedis a mechanism enabling absorption of a difference in thecharacteristics of each tactile presentation device when tactilestimulation is presented to the user. Note that the foregoingadvantageous effects are not necessarily restrictive and that any of theadvantageous effects disclosed in the present specification or otheradvantageous effects which may be understood from the presentspecification may also be exhibited in addition to the foregoingadvantageous effects or instead of the foregoing advantageous effects.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overview of an informationprocessing system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a diagram serving to illustrate an overview of a proposalmethod.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration ofa tactile presentation device according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration ofan information processing device according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration screen 40for configuring the positions of tactile stimulation units according tothe present embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a perceived effectconfiguration screen according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration ofthe information processing device according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a diagram serving to illustrate an example of conversionprocessing according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a diagram serving to illustrate an example of conversionprocessing according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a notification screenpertaining to acquisition of the characteristics of tactile stimulationunits according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of tactilestimulation output control processing that is executed by theinformation processing device according to the present embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described indetail hereinbelow with reference to the accompanying drawings. Notethat repetitive descriptions are omitted from the present specificationand drawings by assigning the same reference signs to constituentelements which have substantially the same function configurations.

In addition, elements which have substantially the same functionconfigurations in the present specification and the drawings aresometimes distinguished by appending different alphabetic charactersafter the same reference signs. For example, a plurality of elementswhich have substantially the same function configurations aredistinguished as tactile presentation devices 10A and 10B wherenecessary. However, when there is no particular need to distinguishbetween each of a plurality of elements which have substantially thesame function configurations, only identical reference signs areappended. For example, when there is no particular need to distinguishbetween the tactile presentation devices 10A and 10B same are simplycalled the tactile presentation devices 10.

Note that the description will be provided in the following order:

1. Overview of information processing system according to one embodimentof the present disclosure2. Configuration example2.1. Configuration example of tactile presentation device 102.2. Configuration example of information processing device 202.3. Configuration example of information processing device 303. Flow of processing

4. Summary 1. OVERVIEW OF INFORMATION PROCESSING SYSTEM ACCORDING TO ONEEMBODIMENT OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overview of an informationprocessing system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.As illustrated in FIG. 1 , the information processing system accordingto the present embodiment includes the tactile presentation devices 10Aand 10B and information processing devices 20 and 30.

(1) Tactile Presentation Devices 10

The tactile presentation devices 10 (10A and 10B) are devices thatpresent tactile stimulation to a user. The tactile presentation device10A presents tactile stimulation to a first user, and the tactilepresentation device 10B presents tactile stimulation to a second user.Although there are no particular restrictions on the shape of thetactile presentation devices 10, a vest-type device which is worn by theuser as illustrated in FIG. 1 is cited as an example. The tactilepresentation devices 10 illustrated in FIG. 1 contain a plurality oftactile stimulation units 100 (also called actuators) and two speechoutput units 102. For example, a predetermined number (for example, six)tactile stimulation units 100 may be arranged, inside the tactilepresentation devices 10, on each of the front and back sides,respectively, of the user. By way of an example, individual tactilestimulation units 100 are arranged in positional relationships such thatthe individual tactile stimulation units 100 arranged on the front sideand the individual tactile stimulation units 100 arranged on the backside face one another.

Note that, although an example in which the tactile presentation devices10 are of the vest type (sleeveless garment) is illustrated in FIG. 1 ,these devices are not limited to this example, and the tactilepresentation devices 10 may have sleeves. In this case, the tactilestimulation units 100 may be arranged not only on the chest and stomachof the user but also in one or more positions corresponding to both armsof the user. Furthermore, the tactile presentation devices 10 are notlimited to being an outer garment as illustrated in FIG. 1 , and may bepants, socks, shoes, a belt, a hat, gloves, or a mask, or the like.Additionally, although one each of the speech output units 102 arearranged on shoulder sections, on the left and right sides respectively,of the tactile presentation devices 10 illustrated in FIG. 1 , thepresent embodiment is not limited to this configuration, rather, onlyone of the speech output units 102 may be installed, or three or morethereof may be installed. Further, the speech output units 102 may bearranged in the prescribed space as independent devices instead of beingcontained in the tactile presentation devices 10, or may be contained ina wearable device that is different from the tactile presentationdevices 10 (for example, headphones or a headset, or the like) or in amobile device (for example, a portable music player, a smartphone, or amobile gaming device, or the like). Moreover, a combination of aplurality of tactile presentation devices 10 may be used.

In addition, the tactile presentation devices 10 are not limited tobeing the foregoing illustrated clothing accessories, and other possibleexamples thereof include a controller, a gun-type controller, a bed, anda chair, or the like.

Tactile Stimulation Units 100

When the respective plurality of tactile stimulation units 100 includedin the tactile presentation devices 10 generate vibrations individually,the vibrations generated may be perceived only by peripheral parts ofthe tactile stimulation units 100. In other words, when individualtactile stimulation units 100 are arranged spaced apart from oneanother, the vibrations generated separately by the individual tactilestimulation units 100 may be perceived discretely in the body of theuser.

Meanwhile, an illusory phenomenon known as phantom sensation has beenmedically investigated. This phantom sensation is an illusory phenomenonwhere, when stimulations are presented simultaneously in differentpositions on skin, a human being perceives only one stimulation betweenthe positions where the stimulations are presented. For example, whentwo tactile stimulation units 100 arranged on the body of a user aremade to output stimulations simultaneously, it is known that theposition of the stimulation perceived by the user (hereinafter calledthe perceived position) is normally in a position between the twotactile stimulation units 100.

Furthermore, by changing the output intensity of the plurality oftactile stimulation units 100, the range of tactile stimulation whichcan be presented by the plurality of tactile stimulation units 100 maybe continuously expanded without changing the dispositional spacingbetween individual tactile stimulation units 100. For instance, anexample of the relationship between the respective output intensities oftwo tactile stimulation units 100 and the perceived position (an exampleof a phantom sensation) will be described. For example, it is assumedthat, as time elapses, the output intensity of a first tactilestimulation unit 100 grows continuously weaker from “1”, “0.6”, and then“0”, for example, and that the output intensity of a second tactilestimulation unit 100 grows continuously stronger from “0”, “0.6”, andthen “1”. In this case, the perceived position (perceived by the user)can continuously move from a contact position of the first tactilestimulation unit 100 to a contact position of the second tactilestimulation unit 100.

Note that the tactile stimulation units 100 provided to the tactilepresentation device 10A are also referred to hereinbelow as “tactilestimulation units 100A”. In addition, the tactile stimulation units 100provided to the tactile presentation device 10B are also referred tohereinbelow as “tactile stimulation units 100B”.

(2) Information Processing Device 20

The information processing device 20 is a device for configuring tactilestimulation which is presented by the tactile presentation device 10A onthe basis of an operation by a first user. The information processingdevice 20 provides a GUI enabling a perceived position and a perceivedintensity to be designated intuitively. The information processingdevice 20 automatically generates a tactile control signal which isinputted to a corresponding plurality of tactile stimulation units 100Aon the basis of a perceived position and a perceived intensity whichhave been designated via the GUI by a tactile stimulation designer. Moreprecisely, when a perceived effect is designated (that is, when aperceived position and a perceived intensity are designated), a tactilecontrol signal for causing the plurality of tactile stimulation units100A to output tactile stimulation so as to present this perceivedeffect is automatically generated. Thus, by actually designating what isto be felt (where and at which intensity), control by the user of theindividual tactile stimulation units 100A can be omitted, therebyenabling automation. Accordingly, the designer enables tactilestimulation to be configured while designating the perceived effect viaan intuitive operation.

Note that the tactile control signal is a control signal (a drivesignal) for driving the tactile stimulation units 100. The tactilecontrol signal may also be regarded as a waveform. That is, the tactilecontrol signal may include information such as frequency and amplitude.

(3) Information Processing Device 30

The information processing device 30 is a device that performs outputcontrol of the tactile presentation device 10B.

Technical Problem

Typically, tactile stimulation is configured on the assumption that theuser will use a specified tactile presentation device. Hence, when atactile presentation device which is different from that assumed is usedand the tactile stimulation units are replaced, there is a risk thattactile stimulation which is different from the tactile stimulation thatis supposed to be presented will be presented to the user. As a result,the user perceives a perceived effect which is different from theperceived effect that is supposed to be perceived, and the userexperience may deteriorate.

One workaround for this problem that may be considered is to configuretactile stimulation for each tactile presentation device that can beused by the user. However, configuration for providing the sameperceived effect is performed a plurality of times using thisworkaround, and there is an excessive burden on the designer.

Another workaround that may be considered is to pre-prepare a tactilecontrol signal which corresponds to a configured pattern of perceivedeffects for each of the tactile stimulation units 100 and to replace theconfigured perceived effects with the tactile control signal. However,with such a workaround, in addition to there being cases where some ofthe configured content is missing in the replacement process, there issometimes no harmony in the outputted tactile stimulation between aplurality of tactile stimulation units.

Proposal Method

Therefore, the information processing device 30 according to the presentembodiment absorbs differences in the characteristics of each of thetactile presentation devices 10 by performing output control accordingto the characteristics of the tactile presentation device 10B. Morespecifically, the information processing device 30 generates a tactilecontrol signal for causing a plurality of tactile stimulation units 100Bto output tactile stimulation so as to present the perceived effectdesignated by the first user on the basis of information indicating aresult of configuration by the information processing device 20 and thecharacteristics of the tactile presentation device 10B. An overview ofthe proposal method will be described with reference to FIG. 2 .

FIG. 2 is a diagram serving to illustrate an overview of a proposalmethod. As illustrated on the left in FIG. 2 , the tactile presentationdevice 10A is provided with only actuators A as the tactile stimulationunits 100A (100 a to 100 f). Further, the tactile stimulation isconfigured by the information processing device 20 so that the perceivedposition moves along a movement path 11 that extends from the rightshoulder at the front of the first user of the tactile presentationdevice 10A to the left hip. However, as illustrated on the right in FIG.2 , the tactile presentation device 10B is provided with a mixture ofactuators A, B, and C as the tactile stimulation units 100B (100 a to100 f). In this case, the information processing device 30 performs, onthe basis of the output characteristics of the actuators A, B, and C,output control of the tactile stimulation units 100B such that tactilestimulation is outputted to the second user so that the perceivedposition moves along a movement path 12 similar to the movement path 11.

Thus, according to the proposal method, differences in thecharacteristics of each of the tactile presentation devices 10 areabsorbed by the information processing device 30. Thus, irrespective ofthe characteristics of the tactile presentation devices 10, a uniformperceived effect is presented to the user, thereby enablinginconsistencies in user experience to be suppressed. In addition,because there is no need to configure tactile stimulation for each ofthe tactile presentation devices 10 with different characteristics, theburden on the designer is reduced.

2. CONFIGURATION EXAMPLE

A configuration example of each of the devices included in theinformation processing system according to the present embodiment willbe described hereinbelow with reference to FIGS. 3 to 10 .

<2.1. Configuration Example of Tactile Presentation Device 10>

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration ofthe tactile presentation device 10 according to the present embodiment.As illustrated in FIG. 3 , the tactile presentation device 10 accordingto the present embodiment has a plurality of tactile stimulation units100 a to 100 c, a control unit 110, a communication unit 120, and aspeech output unit 102.

The control unit 110 functions as an arithmetic processing device and asa control device and controls the whole operation within the tactilepresentation device 10 according to various programs. The control unit110 is realized, for example, by a central processing unit (CPU) and anelectronic circuit such as a microprocessor. Furthermore, the controlunit 110 may also include a read only memory (ROM) that stores programsand operating parameters, and the like, which are used and a randomaccess memory (RAM) that temporarily stores parameters which aresuitably changed, and the like.

For example, the control unit 110 controls the output of the tactilestimulation (vibration, for example) of the plurality of tactilestimulation units 100 according to the tactile control signal foroutputting tactile stimulation that corresponds to each of the tactilestimulation units 100 which has been received from the informationprocessing device 20 or the information processing device 30 via thecommunication unit 120.

The communication unit 120 sends and receives information to and fromother devices. For example, the communication unit 120 receives thetactile control signal for outputting tactile stimulation thatcorresponds to each of the tactile stimulation units 100 from theinformation processing device 20. Furthermore, the communication unit120 receives, from the information processing device 20 or theinformation processing device 30, a speech control signal for outputtingspeech which is to be played back. The communication unit 120communicably connects to other devices by means of wired/wireless localarea network (LAN) or Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth(registered trademark), short-range wireless communication, a mobilecommunication network (long term evolution (LTE) or 3G (third-generationmobile communication system)), or the like, for example.

The tactile stimulation units 100 are actuators that present tactilestimulation to the user. For example, the tactile stimulation units 100generate vibration as tactile stimulation. The tactile stimulation units100 may be realized by means of an eccentric motor, a linear resonantactuator (LRA) or a voice coil motor (VCM). Note that the tactilestimulation presented by the tactile stimulation units 100 is notlimited to vibration and that stimulation such as, for example,temperature, force, electricity, air, water, and pressure, for example,may also be assumed.

A sensor unit 130 detects information relating to the tactilepresentation device 10. For example, the sensor unit 130 detectsinformation relating to the output characteristics of the tactilestimulation units 100. Examples of detected information include theintensity and frequency of vibration that is outputted from the tactilestimulation units 100, a temperature variation range, and the intensityof electrostimulation, and the like.

The speech output units 102 has a speaker for playing back a speechsignal and an amplifier circuit for the speaker.

An example of a configuration of the tactile presentation device 10according to the present embodiment has been described hereinabove. Notethat the configuration of the tactile presentation device 10 accordingto the present embodiment is not limited to the example illustrated inFIG. 3 . For example, the tactile presentation device 10 may have aconfiguration without the speech output unit 102.

<2.2. Configuration Example of Information Processing Device 20>

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration ofthe information processing device 20 according to the presentembodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 4 , the information processing device20 includes a control unit 200, a communication unit 210, an operatinginput unit 220, a display unit 230, and a storage unit 240.

(Control Unit 200)

The control unit 200 functions as an arithmetic processing device and asa control device and controls the whole operation within the informationprocessing device 20 according to various programs. The control unit 200is realized, for example, by a central processing unit (CPU) and anelectronic circuit such as a microprocessor. Furthermore, the controlunit 200 may also include a read only memory (ROM) that stores programsand operating parameters, and the like, which are used and a randomaccess memory (RAM) that temporarily stores parameters which aresuitably changed, and the like.

In addition, the control unit 200 according to the present embodimentalso functions as a perceived position/intensity determination unit 201,a screen generation unit 202, and an output control unit 203.

Perceived Position/Intensity Determination Unit 201

The perceived position/intensity determination unit 201 determines(calculates) the vibration intensity for a plurality of tactilestimulation units 100A that correspond to a target perceived position(so that the designated perceived intensity is perceived in thedesignated perceived position) according to the designated perceivedposition and perceived intensity, and functions as a generation unitthat generates a tactile control signal which is outputted to theplurality of tactile stimulation units 100A. The designated perceivedposition also includes a perceived position movement path.

The perceived position and the perceived position movement path may beconfigured on the surface of the body of the first user. For example,tactile stimulation can be presented to the first user so that theperceived position continuously moves from a position serving as astarting point on the body of the first user to a position serving as anend point. Alternatively, the perceived position movement path can alsobe configured as a path linking a first surface of the body of the firstuser, the inside of the body of the first user, and a second surfacethat faces the first surface. Here, the first surface may be the frontsurface of the first user, and the second surface may be the backsurface of the first user. Alternatively, the first surface may be asurface on the front side of a predetermined body part such as an arm,for example, and the second surface may be a surface on the back side ofthe body part. For example, when the movement path is a path linking aposition on the front surface of the first user, the inside of the bodyof the first user, and a position on the back surface of the first user,the sensation of pushing from the front surface toward the back surfaceand inside the body can be presented to the first user.

Furthermore, the perceived position/intensity determination unit 201 isalso capable of configuring a perception range.

In addition, the perceived position/intensity determination unit 201 mayalso associate the perceived position with timing according to thecontent (movie, game content, or the like) which is provided insynchronization with the tactile stimulation. Thus, by using the tactilepresentation device 10A, predetermined tactile stimulation can bedelivered with predetermined timing to the first user who is viewing thecontent.

The perceived position/intensity determination unit 201 first specifiesa plurality (three, for example) of tactile stimulation units 100A whichare positioned in the vicinity of the designated perceived position.Then, the perceived position/intensity determination unit 201 determinesthe output intensity of each of the plurality of tactile stimulationunits 100A on the basis of the positional relationships between each ofthe plurality of tactile stimulation units 100A and the designatedperceived position, and the designated perceived intensity. In otherwords, the perceived position/intensity determination unit 201 adjuststhe output intensities of the plurality of tactile stimulation units100A (generates an output control signal which is outputted to therespective tactile stimulation units 100A) on the basis of thedesignated perceived position and perceived intensity and the distancesto the plurality of tactile stimulation units 100A arranged in thevicinity. The technology described in PCT/JP2017/14379 may be used forthe adjustment of the output intensities of the plurality of tactilestimulation units 100A for presenting predetermined tactile stimulationin a target position on the body of the first user.

For example, when a first tactile stimulation unit 100A and a secondtactile stimulation unit 100A are positioned in the vicinity of adesignated perceived position, the perceived position/intensitydetermination unit 201 determines the output intensity of the firsttactile stimulation unit 100A on the basis of the distance between thecontact position of the first tactile stimulation unit 100A on the bodyof the first user and the target perceived position. In addition, theperceived position/intensity determination unit 201 determines theoutput intensity of the second tactile stimulation unit 100A on thebasis of the distance between the contact position of the second tactilestimulation unit 100A on the body of the first user and the targetperceived position.

The foregoing functions will be described in more detail hereinbelow.First, an example of adjustment of the output intensity of two tactilestimulation units 100A in a case where a target perceived position islocated between the contact positions of the two tactile stimulationunits 100A will be described. For example, the perceivedposition/intensity determination unit 201 determines the outputintensity of the first tactile stimulation unit 100A and the outputintensity of the second tactile stimulation unit 100A, respectively, onthe basis of the positional relationship between an intermediateposition between the contact position of the first tactile stimulationunit 100A and the contact position of the second tactile stimulationunit 100A, and a target perceived position.

For example, the perceived position/intensity determination unit 201 maydetermine the output intensity of the first tactile stimulation unit100A and the second tactile stimulation unit 100A such that the shorterthe distance between the intermediate position and the target perceivedposition is, the greater the total value of the output intensity of thefirst tactile stimulation unit 100A and the output intensity of thesecond tactile stimulation unit 100A. Alternatively, when the targetperceived position is located closer to the contact position of thefirst tactile stimulation unit 100A than the contact position of thesecond tactile stimulation unit 100A, the perceived position/intensitydetermination unit 201 may determine the output intensity of the firsttactile stimulation unit 100A such that the greater the distance betweenthe contact position of the first tactile stimulation unit 100A and thetarget perceived position is, the greater the output intensity of thefirst tactile stimulation unit 100A. Furthermore, the same is also truefor the second tactile stimulation unit 100A (that is, in an inverserelationship).

At the same time, the perceived position/intensity determination unit201 changes the ratio between the output intensity of the first tactilestimulation unit 100A and the output intensity of the second tactilestimulation unit 100A on the basis of the positional relationshipbetween the intermediate position and the target perceived position.

Screen Generation Unit 202

The screen generation unit 202 may generate a configuration screen for atarget perceived position and perceived intensity. The configurationscreen displays, as information relating to the tactile presentationdevice 10A, images representing the positions of the plurality oftactile stimulation units 100A provided in the tactile presentationdevice 10A and an image representing the outline of the tactilepresentation device 10A, and the first user may designate, via theconfiguration screen, the position (perceived position) of tactilestimulation that is to be presented. The first user may be able tofreely arrange the positions of the plurality of tactile stimulationunits 100A as virtual positions. In addition, when the positions of theplurality of tactile stimulation units 100A are preconfigured and known,images representing the positions of the respective tactile stimulationunits 100A are displayed. Furthermore, when the positions of theplurality of tactile stimulation units 100A are preconfigured and knownbut have been configured so as to not be presented to the user (forexample, when the positions of the respective tactile stimulation units100A are a trade secret), an image representing only the outline of thetactile presentation device 10A may be displayed. A perceived positionmovement path can also be inputted via the configuration screen. Aplurality of perceived positions (a movement path of a plurality ofperceived positions) can also be configured. Further, the perceivedposition and perceived intensity can also be configured such thattactile stimulation is generated in a predetermined position withpredetermined timing that corresponds to playback of predeterminedcontent. Such designation of the perceived position and perceivedintensity via the configuration screen may be performed using a mouseoperation, a touch operation, or a controller such as a 3D pointer, forexample. An example of a specific configuration screen according to thepresent embodiment will be described in detail subsequently.

Note that the screen generation unit 202 is also capable of generating ascreen that displays a tactile control signal (waveform) which isoutputted to each of the tactile stimulation units 100A and which hasbeen generated by the perceived position/intensity determination unit201.

Output Control Unit 203

The output control unit 203 performs tactile stimulation output controlon the tactile presentation device 10A according to determinationcontent of the perceived position/intensity determination unit 201.Thus, the first user is able to confirm the effect (perceived effect) ofthe designated tactile stimulation by actually feeling same by wearingthe tactile presentation device 10A, for example. Specifically, theoutput control unit 203 outputs the generated tactile control signal(controls the generation of vibration) to the predetermined plurality oftactile stimulation units 100A as determined by the perceivedposition/intensity determination unit 201. In addition, the outputcontrol unit 203 is also capable of performing playback control ofcontent (video) that is played back by a display device (a display, anHMD, a projector, a PC, or a smartphone, or the like) and of performing,in response to playback of this content, output control of tactilestimulation from the tactile presentation device 10A with predeterminedconfigured timing. Furthermore, the output control unit 203 is alsocapable of performing control to play back, from the speech output units102 of the tactile presentation device 10A, speech such as an impactsound that corresponds to the tactile stimulation presented. Inaddition, the output control unit 203 may perform control to display, onthe display unit 230, various screens which are generated by the screengeneration unit 202.

(Communication Unit 210)

The communication unit 210 sends and receives information to and fromother devices. For example, the communication unit 210 transmits atactile control signal for outputting tactile stimulation to each of theplurality of tactile stimulation units 100A (or the tactile presentationdevice 10A) according to the control by the output control unit 203.Furthermore, the communication unit 210 transmits, to a display device(not illustrated), a display control signal for displaying playbacktarget images according to the control by the output control unit 203and transmits a speech control signal for outputting playback targetspeech to each of the plurality of speech output units 102 of thetactile presentation device 10A (or to the tactile presentation device10A).

The communication unit 210 communicably connects to other devices bymeans of wired/wireless local area network (LAN) or Wi-Fi (registeredtrademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), short-range wirelesscommunication, a mobile communication network (long term evolution (LTE)or 3G (third-generation mobile communication system)), or the like, forexample.

(Operating Input Unit 220)

The operating input unit 220 receives an operating instruction by thefirst user and outputs the operation content to the control unit 200.The operating input unit 220 may be a touch sensor, a pressure sensor,or a proximity sensor. Alternatively, the operating input unit 220 maybe a physical configuration such as a keyboard, a mouse, a button, aswitch, and a lever, or the like.

(Display Unit 230)

The display unit 230 is a display device that outputs a configurationscreen, or the like, that enables configuration of a perceived effect.The display unit 230 may be a display device such as a liquid-crystaldisplay (LCD) or an organic electroluminescence (EL) display, forexample.

(Storage Unit 240)

The storage unit 240 is realized by a read only memory (ROM) that storesprograms and operating parameters, and the like, which are used in theprocessing by the control unit 200 and a random access memory (RAM) thattemporarily stores parameters which are suitably changed, and the like.

The configuration of the information processing device 20 according tothe present embodiment has been described in specific terms hereinabove.Note that the configuration of the information processing device 20 isnot limited to or by the example illustrated in FIG. 4 . For example,the information processing device 20 may be configured by a plurality ofdevices. Furthermore, the information processing device 20 may furtherinclude a speech input unit and a speech output unit.

Furthermore, the information processing device 20 is not limited to a PClike that illustrated in FIG. 1 and may be realized by a smartphone, amobile phone terminal, a tablet terminal, or a dedicated terminal, orthe like. In addition, at least a portion of the control unit 200 of theinformation processing device 20 may be realized by a server on anetwork. Further, the display unit 230 may be realized by a projector,and a configuration screen or the like may be projected onto a wall, atable, or a screen, or the like. In this case, for the operating inputby the first user to the projection screen, a touch operation withrespect to the projection screen may be detected by means of a cameraprovided separately.

(Example of Perceived Effect Configuration Screen)

An example of a perceived effect configuration screen according to thepresent embodiment will be described next in specific terms withreference to FIGS. 5 and 6 .

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration screen 40for configuring the positions of tactile stimulation units 100Aaccording to the present embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 5 , theconfiguration screen 40 displays 402 a to 402 g representing the tactilestimulation units 100A on a display 401 in the shape of a jacket-typetactile presentation device 10A, for example. The displays 402 a to 402g representing the tactile stimulation units 100A can be moved tooptional positions by using a mouse operation, a touch operation, oranother controller to operate a cursor 403. Note that the positions ofthe tactile stimulation units 100A may be known. In other words, 3D dataof an already generated tactile presentation device 10A may be captured,and the outline of the tactile presentation device 10A and the positionsof the tactile stimulation units 100A disposed in the tactilepresentation device 10A may be displayed.

Although a front surface image and a side surface image are displayed byway of an example in the example illustrated in FIG. 5 , a back surfaceimage may also be displayed. In addition, the front surface image, sidesurface image, and back surface image may be replaced in response touser operations.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration screen 42of a perceived effect according to the present embodiment. Asillustrated in FIG. 6 , a display 420 representing the placement of theplurality of tactile stimulation units 100A is displayed on theconfiguration screen 42. The first user uses a mouse operation or thelike to designate a position where tactile stimulation is to begenerated (that is, a perceived position). A perceived position display423 is displayed in the designated position. Furthermore, whencontinuous movement of the perceived position is desired, the first useris also able to designate a movement path 424 by means of a mouseoperation or the like. In addition, the first user is also able toconfigure the movement speed of the perceived position.

Furthermore, upon selecting a playback button 426 on the configurationscreen 42, a moving image representing the trajectory of the perceivedposition is played back. That is, a moving image in which the perceivedposition display 423 moves along the movement path 424 can be playedback. Thus, the first user is then able to confirm configured content.In addition, the information processing device 20 may be configured toplay back, when the playback button 426 has been selected, a movingimage representing the trajectory of the perceived position via theconfiguration screen 42 displayed on the display unit 230 and to performcontrol of the output of the corresponding tactile stimulation from theconnected tactile presentation device 10A. Accordingly, the first useris able to receive perceived effect feedback immediately.

<2.3. Configuration Example of Information Processing Device 30>

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration ofthe information processing device 30 according to the presentembodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 7 , the information processing device30 includes a control unit 300, a communication unit 310, an operatinginput unit 320, a display unit 330, and a storage unit 340.

(Control Unit 300)

The control unit 300 functions as an arithmetic processing device and asa control device and controls the whole operation within the informationprocessing device 30 according to various programs. The control unit 300is realized, for example, by a central processing unit (CPU) and anelectronic circuit such as a microprocessor. Furthermore, the controlunit 300 may also include a read only memory (ROM) that stores programsand operating parameters, and the like, which are used and a randomaccess memory (RAM) that temporarily stores parameters which aresuitably changed, and the like.

In addition, the control unit 300 according to the present embodimentalso functions as a first acquisition unit 301, a second acquisitionunit 302, a signal processing unit 303, a notification unit 304, and anoutput control unit 305.

(1) First Acquisition Unit 301

The first acquisition unit 301 acquires control information relating totactile stimulation which is to be perceived by a second user configuredby the first user. The tactile stimulation which is to be perceived bythe second user configured by the first user is a perceived effectconfigured by the first user in the information processing device 20.Furthermore, the foregoing control information is information indicatingthe result of perceived effect configuration by the first user of theinformation processing device 20. This control information will also becalled tactile control information hereinbelow.

The tactile control information includes a tactile control signal for areference tactile stimulation unit. A reference tactile stimulation unitis a tactile stimulation unit for which usage is assumed when thetactile control information of the information processing device 20 isgenerated. The reference tactile stimulation unit is typically a tactilestimulation unit 100A of the tactile presentation device 10A. Therefore,in cases where the characteristics of the tactile stimulation unit 100Aand the characteristics of the tactile stimulation unit 1008 are thesame, when the tactile control signal for the reference tactilestimulation unit is inputted to the tactile stimulation unit 1008, theperceived effect designated by the first user is perceived by the seconduser as configured. Note that the reference tactile stimulation unit maynot be a tactile stimulation unit 100A and may, for example, be atactile stimulation unit 100 of a virtual tactile presentation device10.

The tactile control information includes information indicating thecharacteristics of the reference tactile stimulation unit.Characteristics of the reference tactile stimulation unit includetactile stimulation output characteristics, tactile stimulationtransmission characteristics, placement information, and batteryinformation, and the like. Possible tactile stimulation outputcharacteristics include, for example, response characteristics such as arise time and a fall time, vibrational frequency characteristics,temperature variation characteristics, haptic output characteristics,and electrostimulation frequency characteristics, or the like. Possibletactile stimulation transmission characteristics include coefficientsfor transmitting, to the first user, vibration, temperature, orelectrostimulation which are outputted by the reference tactilestimulation unit. Possible placement information includes the positionsof reference tactile stimulation units in the reference tactilepresentation device (the tactile presentation device 10A, for example),the relative positional relationships between the reference tactilestimulation units, and the body parts of the first user with which thereference tactile stimulation units are in contact. Possible batteryinformation includes the battery capacity, the residual batterycapacity, and the battery consumption rate, or the like. Note that thebattery may be provided in each of the reference tactile stimulationunits or may be provided so as to correspond to a plurality of referencetactile stimulation units.

The tactile control information preferably includes information thatassociates the tactile control signal for the reference tactilestimulation unit with information indicating the characteristics of thereference tactile stimulation unit. When there are a plurality ofreference tactile stimulation units, the tactile control informationincludes information that associates the respective control signals ofthe plurality of tactile stimulation units with characteristics. Thecontrol signal conversion processing described subsequently is thusenabled.

The first acquisition unit 301 may acquire tactile control informationfrom the information processing device 20. In this case, the firstacquisition unit 301 is capable of acquiring the perceived effectconfigured by the first user in real time. Moreover, the tactile controlinformation may be prestored in the storage unit 340 or may be stored ona server on a network, or the like. In this case, the first acquisitionunit 301 acquires tactile control information from the storage unit 340or the server on the network, or the like. The first acquisition unit301 may acquire, together with the tactile control information, contentsuch as video or music which is provided to the second user insynchronization with the tactile stimulation output from the tactilepresentation device 10B.

The information indicating the characteristics of the reference tactilestimulation unit may be known information. For example, the informationindicating the characteristics of the reference tactile stimulation unitmay be prestored in the storage unit 340 or may be stored on a server ona network, or the like. In this case, the first acquisition unit 301acquires information indicating the characteristics of the referencetactile stimulation unit from the storage unit 340 or the server on thenetwork, or the like.

Note that the tactile control signal for the reference tactilestimulation unit is also called the first tactile control signalhereinbelow.

The first acquisition unit 301 outputs the tactile control informationto the signal processing unit 303.

(2) Second Acquisition Unit 302

The second acquisition unit 302 acquires the characteristics of thetactile stimulation unit 100B that outputs tactile stimulation to thesecond user. Characteristics of the tactile stimulation unit 100Binclude tactile stimulation output characteristics, tactile stimulationtransmission characteristics, placement information, and batteryinformation, and the like. Possible tactile stimulation outputcharacteristics include, for example, response characteristics such as arise time and a fall time, vibrational frequency characteristics,temperature variation characteristics, haptic output characteristics,and electrostimulation frequency characteristics, or the like. Possibletactile stimulation transmission characteristics include coefficientsfor transmitting, to the second user, vibration, temperature, orelectrostimulation which are outputted by the tactile stimulation unit100B. Possible placement information includes the positions of thetactile stimulation units 100B in the tactile presentation device 10B,the relative positional relationships between the tactile stimulationunits 100B, and the body parts of the second user with which the tactilestimulation units 100B are in contact. Possible battery informationincludes the battery capacity, the residual battery capacity, and thebattery consumption rate, or the like. Note that the battery may beprovided in each of the tactile stimulation units 100B or may beprovided so as to correspond to a plurality of tactile presentationdevices 10B.

The second acquisition unit 302 may measure the characteristics of thetactile stimulation units 100B while causing the tactile stimulationunits 100B to operate. For example, the second acquisition unit 302inputs a predetermined tactile control signal to the tactile stimulationunits 100B to cause same to output tactile stimulation and causes theoutputted tactile stimulation to be detected by the sensor unit 130which is provided in the tactile presentation device 10B. Further, thesecond acquisition unit 302 measures the characteristics of the tactilestimulation units 100B by comparing the foregoing predetermined tactilecontrol signal with the detection result by the sensor unit 130.

Additionally, the second acquisition unit 302 may measure thecharacteristics of the tactile stimulation unit 100B electrically. Forexample, when the tactile stimulation units 100B are capable ofoutputting temperatures, the second acquisition unit 302 calculates aresistance value on the basis of the relationship between a currentvalue and a voltage value and measures the temperature of the tactilestimulation units 100B on the basis of resistance value.

The characteristics of the tactile stimulation units 100B thus measuredare stored in the storage unit 340. Thereafter, the second acquisitionunit 302 skips the measurement processing and acquires thecharacteristics of the tactile stimulation units 100B from the storageunit 340.

The information indicating the characteristics of the tactilestimulation units 100B may be known information, for example, theinformation indicating the characteristics of the tactile stimulationunits 100B may be prestored in a storage unit (not illustrated) which isprovided in the tactile stimulation units 100B or may be stored on aserver on a network, or the like. In this case, the second acquisitionunit 302 acquires information indicating the characteristics of thetactile stimulation units 100B from the storage unit which is providedin the tactile stimulation units 100B, or the server on the network, orthe like.

The acquisition of the characteristics of the tactile stimulation units100B by the second acquisition unit 302 is performed with the timing atwhich the tactile presentation device 10B is connected to theinformation processing device 30 or with the timing at which a newtactile stimulation unit 100B is attached, or the like.

The second acquisition unit 302 outputs information indicating thecharacteristics of the tactile presentation device 10B to the signalprocessing unit 303. Furthermore, the second acquisition unit 302outputs, to the notification unit 304, information indicating whether ornot the characteristics of the tactile presentation device 10 are beingmeasured.

(3) Signal Processing Unit 303

The signal processing unit 303 generates a tactile control signal whichis inputted to the tactile stimulation units 100B and serves to causethe second user to perceive the tactile stimulation indicated by thetactile control information on the basis of the tactile controlinformation and the characteristics of the tactile stimulation units100B. The signal processing unit 303 generates the tactile controlsignal by converting (that is, modulating) the first tactile controlsignal included in the tactile control information on the basis of thecharacteristics of the tactile stimulation units 100B. When the tactilecontrol signal thus generated is inputted to the tactile stimulationunits 100B, the tactile stimulation units 100B output the tactilestimulation for causing the second user to perceive the tactilestimulation indicated by the tactile control information. Thus, becausethe differences in the characteristics of each of the tactilepresentation devices 10, which are used when providing tactilestimulation to the user, are absorbed, the second user can be made toperceive the perceived effect as configured by the first user. Thetactile control signal generated by the signal processing unit 303 isalso called the second tactile control signal hereinbelow.

The signal processing unit 303 generates a second tactile control signalby converting tactile control information on the basis of the differencebetween the characteristics of the reference tactile stimulation unitand the characteristics of the tactile stimulation units 1008. Moreprecisely, the signal processing unit 303 generates a second tactilecontrol signal by converting the first tactile control signal on thebasis of an inverse characteristic of the difference between thecharacteristics of the tactile stimulation units 1008 and thecharacteristics of the reference tactile stimulation unit. Thus, becausethe differences in the characteristics of the reference tactilestimulation unit and the tactile stimulation units 100B are absorbed,the second user can be made to perceive the perceived effect asconfigured by the first user. The conversion processing will bedescribed hereinbelow in specific terms.

Intensity

For example, the signal processing unit 303 generates the second tactilecontrol signal for causing the second user to perceive tactilestimulation the intensity of which is the same as or substantially thesame as the tactile stimulation indicated by the tactile controlinformation. More precisely, the signal processing unit 303 generates,on the basis of the output characteristics of the tactile stimulationunits 100B, the second tactile control signal for causing the seconduser to perceive tactile stimulation for which at least some of the oneor more characteristics relating to the intensity of the tactilestimulation indicated by the tactile control information are the same.Thus, an absolute value of the intensity of the tactile stimulationperceived by the second user can be configured as per the configurationby the first user. Possible characteristics of the intensity of thetactile stimulation include the vibration intensities of each of aplurality of frequency bands, the maximum and minimum values of atemperature variation, and the electrostimulation intensities of each ofthe plurality of frequency bands.

Vibration A case where the tactile stimulation which is outputted by thetactile stimulation units 100B is vibration will be described withreference to FIG. 8 . FIG. 8 is a diagram serving to illustrate anexample of the conversion processing according to the presentembodiment. Graph 50A illustrates the frequency characteristic of areference tactile stimulation unit, and graph 50B illustrates thefrequency characteristic of a tactile stimulation unit 100B. Thehorizontal axis of graphs 50A and 50B represents frequency and thevertical axis represents vibration intensity (acceleration). When thesegraphs are compared, it can be seen that, in comparison with thefrequency characteristic of the reference tactile stimulation unitillustrated in graph 50A, the frequency characteristic of the tactilestimulation unit 100B illustrated in graph 50B has a large vibrationintensity in some frequency bands.

Graph 51A illustrates the frequency characteristic of the first tactilecontrol signal. The horizontal axis of graph 51A represents frequencyand the vertical axis represents vibration intensity. The signalprocessing unit 303 generates a second tactile control signal byapplying (for example, multiplying) an inverse characteristic of thedifference between the frequency characteristic of the reference tactilestimulation unit and the frequency characteristic of the tactilestimulation units 100B to the first tactile control signal that isincluded in the tactile control information. In the example illustratedin FIG. 8 , the signal processing unit 303 multiplies the first tactilecontrol signal having the frequency characteristic illustrated in graph51A by the inverse characteristic of the difference between thefrequency characteristic illustrated in graph 50A and the frequencycharacteristic illustrated in graph 50B. As a result, the signalprocessing unit 303 generates the second tactile control signal havingthe frequency characteristic illustrated in graph 51B. The horizontalaxis of graph 51B represents frequency and the vertical axis representsvibration intensity. When graphs 51A and 51B are compared, it can beseen that, in comparison with the first tactile control signalillustrated in graph 51A, the second tactile control signal illustratedin graph 51B has a small vibration intensity in some frequency bands.Because the vibration intensity in some frequency bands is small, thedifference, as described with reference to graphs 50A and 50B, in thefrequency characteristics of the reference tactile stimulation unit andthe tactile stimulation units 100B is absorbed, as illustrated in graphs52A and 52B.

Graph 52A illustrates the frequency characteristic of vibrations whichare outputted when the first tactile control signal illustrated in graph51A is inputted to the reference tactile stimulation unit. Graph 52Billustrates the frequency characteristic of vibrations which areoutputted when the second tactile control signal illustrated in graph51B is inputted to the tactile stimulation unit 100B. The horizontalaxis of graphs 52A and 52B represents frequency and the vertical axisrepresents vibration intensity. As illustrated in FIG. 8 , the frequencycharacteristic illustrated in graph 52A and the frequency characteristicillustrated in graph 52B match each other. Therefore, the second user isable to perceive the perceived effect as configured by the first user.

Temperature A case where the tactile stimulation which is outputted bythe tactile stimulation units 100B is temperature will be described withreference to FIG. 9 . FIG. 9 is a diagram serving to illustrate anexample of the conversion processing according to the presentembodiment. Graph 60A represents the temperature variationcharacteristic of a reference tactile stimulation unit, and graph 60Brepresents the temperature variation characteristic of a tactilestimulation unit 100B. The horizontal axis of graphs 60A and 60Brepresents the intensity of the inputted current or signal, and thevertical axis represents temperature. According to graph 60A, thereference tactile stimulation unit has a temperature that risesaccording to the intensity of the inputted current or signal and has arise width corresponding to the current or signal intensity that isconstant irrespective of the current or signal intensity. However,according to graph 60B, the tactile stimulation unit 100B has atemperature that rises according to the intensity of the inputtedcurrent or signal and has a rise width corresponding to the current orsignal intensity that is attenuated as the current or signal intensityrises.

Graph 61A illustrates the characteristic of the first tactile controlsignal. The horizontal axis of graph 51A represents time, and thevertical axis represents the intensity of the current or signal inputtedas the first tactile control signal. The signal processing unit 303generates a second tactile control signal by applying (for example,multiplying) an inverse characteristic of the difference between thetemperature variation characteristic of the reference tactilestimulation unit and the temperature variation characteristic of thetactile stimulation unit 100B to the first tactile control signal thatis included in the tactile control information. In the exampleillustrated in FIG. 9 , the signal processing unit 303 multiplies thefirst tactile control signal having the characteristic illustrated ingraph 61A by the inverse characteristic of the difference between thetemperature variation characteristic illustrated in graph 60A and thetemperature variation characteristic illustrated in graph 60B. As aresult, the signal processing unit 303 generates the second tactilecontrol signal having the characteristic illustrated in graph 61B. Thehorizontal axis of graph 61B represents time, and the vertical axisrepresents the intensity of the current or signal inputted as the secondtactile control signal. According to graph 61A, the intensity of thecurrent or signal which is inputted as the first tactile control signalrises as time elapses, and the rise width corresponding to this time isconstant irrespective of time elapsing. However, according to graph 61B,the intensity of the current or signal which is inputted as the secondtactile control signal rises as time elapses, and the rise widthcorresponding to this time increases as time elapses. Due to thisdifference in rise width corresponding to time, the difference, asdescribed with reference to graphs 60A and 60B, in the temperaturevariation characteristics of the reference tactile stimulation unit andthe tactile stimulation unit 100B is absorbed, as illustrated in graphs62A and 62B.

Graph 62A illustrates a temporal change in the temperature which isoutputted when the first tactile control signal illustrated in graph 61Ais inputted to the reference tactile stimulation unit. Graph 62Billustrates a temporal change in the temperature which is outputted whenthe second tactile control signal illustrated in graph 61B is inputtedto the tactile stimulation unit 100B. The horizontal axis of graphs 62Aand 62B represents time and the vertical axis represents temperature. Asillustrated in FIG. 9 , the temporal change in temperature illustratedin graph 62A and the temporal change in temperature illustrated in graph62B match each other. Therefore, the second user is able to perceive theperceived effect of temperature as configured by the first user.

Difference

For example, the signal processing unit 303 generates the second tactilecontrol signal for causing the second user to perceive tactilestimulation for which the difference between the maximum value andminimum value of the intensity is the same as or substantially the sameas the tactile stimulation indicated by the tactile control information.More precisely, the signal processing unit 303 generates, on the basisof the output characteristics of the tactile stimulation units 100B, thesecond tactile control signal for causing the second user to perceivetactile stimulation for which at least a portion of the differencebetween the maximum value and minimum value of one or morecharacteristics relating to the intensity of the tactile stimulationindicated by the tactile control information is the same. Thus, arelative value of the intensity of the tactile stimulation perceived bythe second user can be configured as per the configuration by the firstuser.

Timing

For example, the signal processing unit 303 generates the second tactilecontrol signal for causing the second user to perceive tactilestimulation with the same or substantially the same timing as thetactile stimulation indicated by the tactile control information. Moreprecisely, the signal processing unit 303 generates, on the basis of theresponse characteristics of the tactile stimulation units 100B, thesecond tactile control signal for causing the second user to perceivetactile stimulation for which at least a portion of one or morecharacteristics relating to the timing of the tactile stimulationindicated by the tactile control information is the same. Note thatpossible characteristics relating to the timing of tactile stimulationinclude timing for starting the tactile stimulation, timing at which thetactile stimulation intensity reaches a predetermined intensity, timingat which the tactile stimulation intensity is attenuated, and timing forending the tactile stimulation. For example, the signal processing unit303 preconfigures an offset for operating the tactile stimulation units100B and configures an increase in the voltage applied at the time ofinitial operation. Thus, timing relating to the tactile stimulationperceived by the second user can be configured as per the configurationby the first user.

Perceived Position

The signal processing unit 303 generates the second tactile controlsignal for causing the second user to perceive tactile stimulation theperceived position of which is the same as or substantially the same asthe tactile stimulation indicated by the tactile control information.More precisely, the signal processing unit 303 generates, on the basisof the output characteristics of the tactile stimulation units 100B, thesecond tactile control signal for causing the second user to perceivetactile stimulation for which at least some of the perceived positionsare the same as the tactile stimulation indicated by the tactile controlinformation. For example, the signal processing unit 303 generates thesecond tactile control signal in accordance with the tactile stimulationunit 100B with the lowest output intensity among the plurality oftactile stimulation units 100B provided in the tactile presentationdevice 10B. More precisely, the signal processing unit 303 lowers theintensity of the tactile stimulation outputted by another tactilestimulation unit 100B by using, as a reference, the intensity of thetactile stimulation outputted by the tactile stimulation unit 1008 withthe lowest output intensity. Thus, the perceived position of the tactilestimulation perceived by the second user can be configured as per theconfiguration by the first user.

The conversion processing has been described in specific termshereinabove. The signal processing unit 303 is able to perform theforegoing conversion processing on the basis of various informationother than the tactile control information and the characteristics ofthe tactile stimulation units 1008. This feature will be describedhereinbelow.

The signal processing unit 303 may generate the second tactile controlsignal also on the basis of placement of the tactile stimulation units1008. For example, the placement sometimes differs for the referencetactile stimulation unit and the tactile stimulation units 1008. In suchcases, the signal processing unit 303 utilizes phantom sensation togenerate the second tactile control signal which is inputted to theplurality of tactile stimulation units 1008 so that the perceivedposition is the same as or substantially the same as the tactilestimulation indicated by the tactile control information. To this end,for example, the signal processing unit 303 inversely converts, on thebasis of the characteristics of the reference tactile stimulation unit,the first tactile control signal included in the tactile controlinformation to a perceived effect configured by the first user. Further,the signal processing unit 303 the signal processing unit 303 performsthe same operation as the perceived position/intensity determinationunit 201 of the information processing device 20 while considering thecharacteristics of the tactile stimulation units 100B. More precisely,the signal processing unit 303 determines (calculates) the vibrationintensity for a plurality of tactile stimulation units 100B thatcorrespond to a target perceived position (so that the designatedperceived intensity is perceived in the designated perceived position)according to the perceived position and perceived intensity obtained asa result of an inverse conversion, and generates a second tactilecontrol signal which is outputted to the plurality of tactilestimulation units 100B. Thus, even there is a difference in placementbetween the reference tactile stimulation unit and the tactilestimulation units 100B or when the types of tactile presentation devicesthemselves are different, the second user can be made to perceive theperceived effect as per the configuration by the first user.

The signal processing unit 303 may generate the second tactile controlsignal also on the basis of the transmission characteristics, to thesecond user, of the tactile stimulation outputted by the tactilestimulation units 100B. More precisely, the signal processing unit 303generates the second tactile control signal by converting tactilecontrol information on the basis of the difference between thetransmission characteristics of the reference tactile stimulation unitand the transmission characteristics of the tactile stimulation units100B. The transmission characteristics may vary depending on the contactarea between the tactile stimulation units 100B and the user, thecontact pressure, and the material properties of an object interposedbetween the tactile stimulation units 100B and the user (for example,fabric in the case of a vest-type tactile presentation device 10B), andthe like. Because the difference in transmission characteristics betweenthe reference tactile stimulation unit and the tactile stimulation units100B is absorbed by performing conversion processing according to thetransmission characteristics, the second user can be made to perceivethe perceived effect as configured by the first user.

The signal processing unit 303 may generate the second tactile controlsignal on the basis of a residual capacity of a battery that isassociated with the tactile stimulation units 100B. For example, thesignal processing unit 303 generates the second tactile control signalin accordance with the tactile stimulation unit 100B with the lowestresidual battery capacity among the plurality of tactile stimulationunits 100B provided in the tactile presentation device 10B. Moreprecisely, the signal processing unit 303 lowers the intensity of thetactile stimulation of the whole plurality of tactile stimulation units100B to an extent enabling the tactile stimulation unit 100B with thelowest residual battery capacity to operate for a predetermined timeperiod. Because excessive battery consumption is accordingly suppressed,the second user can be made to perceive the tactile stimulation stably.

Supplementary Information

The type of tactile stimulation indicated by the tactile controlinformation and the type of tactile stimulation outputted by the tactilestimulation units 100B are typically the same but may also be different.For example, the type of tactile stimulation indicated by the tactilecontrol information may be vibration and the tactile stimulationoutputted by the tactile stimulation units 100B may beelectrostimulation. In this case, the signal processing unit 303generates the second tactile control signal for causing the second userto perceive electrostimulation that has the same or substantially thesame frequency characteristics as the frequency characteristics of thevibration indicated by the tactile control information, for example.Thus, even when the tactile stimulation types which can be outputted bythe reference tactile stimulation unit and the tactile stimulation units100B are different, the second user can be made to artificially perceivethe perceived effect as configured.

The signal processing unit 303 may record and reuse generation rules forgenerating the second tactile control signal from the tactile controlinformation. Possible generation rules include, for example, an inversecharacteristic of the difference between the frequency characteristicsof the reference tactile stimulation unit and the frequencycharacteristics of the tactile stimulation units 100B, in the foregoingconversion processing. For example, once the foregoing conversionprocessing is executed, the signal processing unit 303 stores thegeneration rules in the storage unit 340 and utilizes the samegeneration rules until the tactile presentation device 10B is replaced.The processing burdn of the foregoing conversion processing canaccordingly be reduced.

When a plurality of tactile presentation devices 10B are combined andused by the second user, the signal processing unit 303 may generate thesecond tactile control signal in accordance with this combination. Inthis case, the signal processing unit 303 generates the second tactilecontrol signal so that the other tactile presentation devices 10B alsooperate in accordance with the lowest-performance tactile presentationdevice 10B for example.

A portion of the plurality of tactile stimulation units 100B provided inthe tactile presentation device 10B need not operate. In other words,the signal processing unit 303 may generate the second tactile controlsignal for operating a portion of the plurality of tactile stimulationunits 100B provided in the tactile presentation device 10B. Operation ornon-operation of the tactile stimulation units 100B may be selectedaccording to the performance and characteristics of the tactilestimulation units 100B, for example.

(4) Notification Unit 304

The notification unit 304 notifies the second user of informationrelating to output control of the tactile presentation device 10B. Forexample, when a new tactile stimulation unit 100B is attached to thetactile presentation device 10B the notification unit 304 may notify thesecond user of information to that effect. Furthermore, when thecharacteristics of the tactile stimulation units 100B have been measuredby the second acquisition unit 302, the notification unit 304 may notifythe second user of information indicating that the characteristics ofthe tactile stimulation units 100B are being measured. At the time ofmeasurement, tactile stimulation for measurement may be outputted. Inthis case, as a result of being notified of such information, the useris able to distinguish between tactile stimulation which is outputtedaccording to tactile control information and tactile stimulation whichis outputted for measurement. An example of a notification screen thatmay be displayed on the display unit 330 at the time the characteristicsof the tactile stimulation units 100B are acquired by the secondacquisition unit 302 will be described with reference to FIG. 10 .

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a notification screenpertaining to the acquisition of the characteristics of tactilestimulation units according to the present embodiment. FIG. 10illustrates an example of a notification screen which is displayed atthe time a tactile stimulation unit 100B is replaced. A notificationscreen 70 includes icons 701 to 703 that represent a vibration outputdevice A, a vibration output device B, and an electrostimulation outputdevice, respectively, which are candidates for the replaced tactilestimulation unit 100B. Because areas other than icon 701 of vibrationoutput device A are grayed out on the notification screen 70, the factthat the vibration output device A has been newly attached to thetactile presentation device 10B is shown. A notification screen 71 is ascreen that includes icons 711 to 713 that represent a vibration outputdevice A, a vibration output device B, and an electrostimulation outputdevice, respectively, which are candidates for the replaced tactilestimulation unit 100B, and that receives icon selection operations bythe user. The user is able to select the icon corresponding to thereplaced tactile stimulation unit 100B from among these icons. Anotification screen 72 includes a progress bar 721 that indicates thatthe characteristics of the replaced tactile stimulation unit 100B arebeing measured and that illustrates the progress of such measurement.Note that the respective notification screens illustrated in FIG. 10 maybe displayed using popups for which an optional screen is used as thebackground.

The same notification screens may also be displayed by means of theinformation processing device 20. In other words, the notificationscreens illustrated in FIG. 10 may also be similarly displayed using thetiming at which the tactile stimulation units 100A provided in thetactile presentation device 10A are changed.

The notification unit 304 outputs information of which the second useris to be notified (the foregoing notification screen images, forexample) to the output control unit 305.

(5) Output Control Unit 305

The output control unit 305 performs tactile stimulation output controlon the tactile presentation device 10B on the basis of the secondtactile control signal generated by the signal processing unit 303. Moreprecisely, the output control unit 305 outputs the second tactilecontrol signal generated by the signal processing unit 303 to the targettactile stimulation unit 100B. In addition, the output control unit 305is also capable of performing playback control of content (video) thatis played back by a display device (a display, an HMD, a projector, aPC, or a smartphone, or the like) and of performing, in response toplayback of this content, output control of tactile stimulation from thetactile presentation device 10B with predetermined configured timing.Furthermore, the output control unit 305 is also capable of performingcontrol to play back, from the speech output units 102 of the tactilepresentation device 10B speech such as an impact sound that correspondsto the tactile stimulation presented. In addition, the output controlunit 305 may perform control to display, on the display unit 330, thenotification screens which are generated by the notification unit 304.

(Communication Unit 310)

The communication unit 310 sends and receives information to and fromother devices. For example, the communication unit 310 transmits atactile control signal for outputting tactile stimulation to each of theplurality of tactile stimulation units 100B (or the tactile presentationdevice 10B) according to the control by the output control unit 305.Furthermore, the communication unit 310 transmits, to a display device(not illustrated), a display control signal for displaying playbacktarget images according to the control by the output control unit 305and transmits a speech control signal for outputting playback targetspeech to each of the plurality of speech output units 102 of thetactile presentation device 10B (or to the tactile presentation device10B).

The communication unit 310 communicably connects to other devices bymeans of wired/wireless local area network (LAN) or Wi-Fi (registeredtrademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), short-range wirelesscommunication, a mobile communication network (long term evolution (LTE)or 3G (third-generation mobile communication system)), or the like, forexample.

(Operating Input Unit 320)

The operating input unit 320 receives an operating instruction by theuser and outputs the operation content to the control unit 300. Theoperating input unit 320 may be a touch sensor, a pressure sensor, or aproximity sensor. Alternatively, the operating input unit 320 may be aphysical configuration such as a keyboard, a mouse, a button, a switch,and a lever, or the like.

(Display Unit 330)

The display unit 330 is a display device that outputs a configurationscreen, or the like, that enables configuration of a perceived effect.The display unit 330 may be a display device such as a liquid-crystaldisplay (LCD) or an organic electroluminescence (EL) display, forexample.

(Storage Unit 340)

The storage unit 340 is realized by a read only memory (ROM) that storesprograms and operating parameters, and the like, which are used in theprocessing by the control unit 300 and a random access memory (RAM) thattemporarily stores parameters which are suitably changed, and the like.

The configuration of the information processing device 30 according tothe present embodiment has been described in specific terms hereinabove.Note that the configuration of the information processing device 30 isnot limited to or by the example illustrated in FIG. 7 . For example,the information processing device 30 may be configured by a plurality ofdevices.

Furthermore, the information processing device 30 is not limited to a PClike that illustrated in FIG. 1 and may be realized by a smartphone, amobile phone terminal, a tablet terminal, or a dedicated terminal, orthe like. In addition, at least a portion of the control unit 300 of theinformation processing device 30 may be realized by a server on anetwork. Further, the display unit 330 may be realized by a projector,and a notification screen or the like may be projected onto a wall, atable, or a screen, or the like. In this case, for the operating inputby the user to the projection screen, a touch operation with respect tothe projection screen may be detected by means of a camera providedseparately.

3. FLOW OF PROCESSING

An example of the flow of tactile stimulation output control processingthat is executed by the information processing device 30 according tothe present embodiment is described hereinbelow with reference to FIG.11 . FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow oftactile stimulation output control processing that is executed by theinformation processing device 30 according to the present embodiment.

As illustrated in FIG. 11 , the second acquisition unit 302 firstacquires information indicating the characteristics of the one or moretactile stimulation units 100B provided in the tactile presentationdevice 10B (step S102). Next, the first acquisition unit 301 acquirestactile control information indicating the result of the perceivedeffect configuration by the first user (step S104). The tactile controlinformation includes a first tactile control signal. The tactile controlinformation may include information in which the first tactile controlsignal and information indicating the characteristics of the referencetactile stimulation unit are associated.

Further, the signal processing unit 303 generates a second tactilecontrol signal for causing the second user to perceive the tactilestimulation indicated by the tactile control information on the basis ofthe acquired information indicating the characteristics of the tactilestimulation units 100B and tactile control information (step S106). Moreprecisely, the signal processing unit 303 generates the second tactilecontrol signal by converting the first tactile control signal includedin the tactile control information on the basis of the differencebetween the characteristics of the reference tactile stimulation unitand the characteristics of the tactile stimulation units 100B.

Thereafter, the output control unit 305 presents tactile stimulation tothe tactile presentation device 10B on the basis of the second tactilecontrol signal (step S108). More precisely, the output control unit 305outputs tactile stimulation using the tactile stimulation units 100B byoutputting the second tactile control signal to the tactile stimulationunits 100B.

An example of the flow of tactile stimulation output control processinghas been described hereinabove. By means of the processing describedhereinabove, the second user configured by the first user can be made toperceive the tactile stimulation which is to be perceived by the seconduser as configured.

4. SUMMARY

One embodiment of the present disclosure has been described in detailhereinabove with reference to FIGS. 1 to 11 . As described hereinabove,the information processing device 30 according to the present embodimentacquires tactile control information relating to the tactile stimulationwhich is to be perceived by the second user configured by the first userand information indicating the characteristics of the tactilestimulation units 100B which output the tactile stimulation to thesecond user. Further, the information processing device 30 generates asecond tactile control signal which is inputted to the tactilestimulation units 100B and serves to cause the second user to perceivethe tactile stimulation indicated by the tactile control information onthe basis of the tactile control information and the characteristics ofthe tactile stimulation units 1008. Thus, because the differences in thecharacteristics of each of the tactile presentation devices 10, whichare used when providing tactile stimulation to the user, are absorbed,the second user is then able to perceive the perceived effect asconfigured by the first user. Deterioration in the user experience isthus suppressed.

Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been described indetail hereinabove with reference to the accompanying drawings, but thetechnical scope of the present disclosure is not limited to or by suchexamples. It is clear that a person ordinarily skilled in thetechnological field of the present disclosure would be able to arrive atvarious modification examples or revision examples within the scope ofthe technological ideas described in the claims, and such examples arealso automatically recognized as belonging to the technological scope ofthe present disclosure.

For example, although tactile control information is described asincluding a first tactile control signal in the foregoing embodiments,the present technology is not limited to or by this example. Forexample, the tactile control information may include, instead of thefirst tactile control signal, information indicating the perceivedeffect configured by the first user. In this case, the signal processingunit 303 of the information processing device 30 performs the sameoperation as the perceived position/intensity determination unit 201 ofthe information processing device 20 while considering thecharacteristics of the tactile stimulation units 100B. More precisely,the signal processing unit 303 determines (calculates) the vibrationintensity for a plurality of tactile stimulation units 100B thatcorrespond to a target perceived position (so that the designatedperceived intensity is perceived in the designated perceived position)according to the perceived position and perceived intensity which havebeen designated by the first user, and generates a second tactilecontrol signal which is outputted to the plurality of tactilestimulation units 100B.

In addition, although the tactile presentation devices 10A and 10B andthe information processing devices 20 and 30 are standalone devices inthe foregoing embodiments, the present technology is not limited to orby this example. For example, the tactile presentation device 10A andthe information processing device 20 may be configured to be integralwith each other, the tactile presentation device 10B and the informationprocessing device 30 may be configured to be integral with each other,and the information processing device 20 and the information processingdevice 30 may be configured to be integral with each other.

Furthermore, although the tactile presentation devices 10A and 10B andthe first user and second user are each described as being separate inthe foregoing embodiments, the present technology is not limited to orby this example. For example, the first user and second user may be thesame person or the tactile presentation device 10A and tactilepresentation device 10B may be the same tactile presentation device 10.In this case, the user wears the tactile presentation device 10,configures the perceived effect, and feels the perceived effect thusconfigured in real time. At such time, a tactile control signal withwhich the characteristics of the tactile stimulation units 100 areabsorbed is generated on the basis of the characteristics of the tactilestimulation units 100 of the tactile presentation device 10 worn by theuser and is inputted to the tactile stimulation units 100 of the tactilepresentation device 10. Thus, the user is able to configure theperceived effect irrespective of the characteristics of the tactilepresentation device 10. Furthermore, the user is also able to repeatedlyadjust the perceived effect while replacing the tactile stimulationunits 100 of the tactile presentation device 10. Thus, the user is ableto easily design the perceived effect for various tactile presentationdevices 10.

In addition, it is also possible to create a computer program forcausing a processor (for example, a CPU or DSP, or the like), which isprovided in the device of the present specification (for example, thetactile presentation device 10, information processing device 20, orinformation processing device 30), to function as the constituentelements of the foregoing device (for example, the control unit 110, thecontrol unit 200, and/or the control unit 300) (that is, a computerprogram for causing the processor to execute the operations of theconstituent elements of the foregoing device). Furthermore, a recordingmedium whereon the computer program is recorded may also be provided.Further, a device that includes a memory that stores the foregoingcomputer program and one or more processors capable of executing thecomputer program (for example, a module for the tactile presentationdevice 10, a module for the information processing device 20, or amodule for the information processing device 30) may also be provided.In addition, a method that includes the operations of the constituentelements of the foregoing device (for example, the control unit 110, thecontrol unit 200, and/or the control unit 300, or the like) is alsoincluded in the technology pertaining to the present disclosure.

Furthermore, the processing described in the present specification byusing the flowchart and sequence diagrams need not necessarily beexecuted in the illustrated order. Several processing steps may also beexecuted in parallel. Moreover, additional processing steps may beadopted or some of processing steps may be omitted.

Moreover, the effects described in the present specification are merelyillustrative or exemplary and are not restrictive. In other words, thetechnology pertaining to the present disclosure may, in addition to theforegoing advantageous effects or instead of the foregoing advantageouseffects, afford other advantageous effects which would be obvious to aperson skilled in the art from the description of the presentspecification.

Note that the following configurations also fall within the technicalscope of the present disclosure.

(1)

An information processing device, comprising:a control unit that generates, on the basis of control informationrelating to tactile stimulation to be perceived by a second user asconfigured by a first user and on the basis of characteristics of atactile stimulation unit that outputs the tactile stimulation to thesecond user, a control signal which is inputted to the tactilestimulation unit and which serves to cause the second user to perceivethe tactile stimulation indicated by the control information.The information processing device according to (1), wherein the controlunit generates the control signal by converting the control informationon the basis of a difference between the characteristics of a referencetactile stimulation unit and the characteristics of the tactilestimulation unit.

(3)

The information processing device according to (2), wherein the controlinformation includes information that associates a control signal forthe reference tactile stimulation unit with information indicating thecharacteristics of the reference tactile stimulation unit.

(4)

The information processing device according to (2) or (3), wherein thecontrol unit generates the control signal for causing the second user toperceive tactile stimulation the intensity of which is the same as orsubstantially the same as the tactile stimulation indicated by thecontrol information.

(5)

The information processing device according to (4),wherein the tactile stimulation outputted by the tactile stimulationunit is vibration, andwherein the control unit generates the control signal by applying aninverse characteristic of the difference between a frequencycharacteristic of the reference tactile stimulation unit and a frequencycharacteristic of the tactile stimulation unit to the control signalthat is included in the control information.

(6)

The information processing device according to (4),wherein the tactile stimulation outputted by the tactile stimulationunit is temperature, andwherein the control unit generates the control signal by applying aninverse characteristic of the difference between a temperature variationcharacteristic of the reference tactile stimulation unit and atemperature variation characteristic of the tactile stimulation unit tothe control signal that is included in the control information.

(7)

The information processing device according to any one of (2) to (6),wherein the control unit generates the control signal for causing thesecond user to perceive tactile stimulation for which the differencebetween a maximum value and a minimum value of the intensity is the sameas or substantially the same as the tactile stimulation indicated by thecontrol information.

(8)

The information processing device according to any one of (2) to (7),wherein the control unit generates the control signal for causing thesecond user to perceive tactile stimulation with the same orsubstantially the same timing as the tactile stimulation indicated bythe control information.

(9)

The information processing device according to any one of (2) to (8),wherein the control unit generates the control signal for causing thesecond user to perceive tactile stimulation the perceived position ofwhich is the same as or substantially the same as the tactilestimulation indicated by the control information.

(10)

The information processing device according to any one of (1) to (9),wherein the control unit generates the control signal also on the basisof placement of the tactile stimulation unit.

(11)

The information processing device according to any one of (1) to (10),wherein the control unit generates the control signal also on the basisof a transmission characteristic, to the second user, of the tactilestimulation outputted by the tactile stimulation unit.

(12)

The information processing device according to any one of (1) to (11),wherein the control unit generates the control signal on the basis of aresidual capacity of a battery that is associated with the tactilestimulation unit.

(13)

The information processing device according to any one of (1) to (12),wherein the control unit measures the characteristics of the tactilestimulation unit while causing the tactile stimulation unit to operate.

(14)

The information processing device according to (13), wherein the controlunit notifies the second user of information indicating that thecharacteristics of the tactile stimulation unit are being measured.

(15)

The information processing device according to any one of (1) to (14),wherein the type of tactile stimulation indicated by the controlinformation and the type of tactile stimulation outputted by the tactilestimulation unit are different.

(16)

The information processing device according to any one of (1) to (15),wherein the control unit records and reuses generation rules forgenerating the control signal from the control information.

(17)

An information processing method that is executed by a processor, themethod comprising:generating, on the basis of control information relating to tactilestimulation to be perceived by a second user as configured by a firstuser and on the basis of characteristics of a tactile stimulation unitthat outputs the tactile stimulation to the second user, a controlsignal which is inputted to the tactile stimulation unit and whichserves to cause the second user to perceive the tactile stimulationindicated by the control information.

(18)

A recording medium whereon a program is recorded, the program serving tocause a computer to function asa control unit that generates, on the basis of control informationrelating to tactile stimulation to be perceived by a second user asconfigured by a first user and on the basis of characteristics of atactile stimulation unit that outputs the tactile stimulation to thesecond user, a control signal which is inputted to the tactilestimulation unit and which serves to cause the second user to perceivethe tactile stimulation indicated by the control information.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

-   10 TACTILE PRESENTATION DEVICE-   100 TACTILE STIMULATION UNIT-   102 SPEECH OUTPUT UNIT-   110 CONTROL UNIT-   120 COMMUNICATION UNIT-   130 SENSOR UNIT-   20 INFORMATION PROCESSING DEVICE-   200 CONTROL UNIT-   201 PERCEIVED POSITION/INTENSITY DETERMINATION UNIT-   202 SCREEN GENERATION UNIT-   203 OUTPUT CONTROL UNIT-   210 COMMUNICATION UNIT-   220 OPERATING INPUT UNIT-   230 DISPLAY UNIT-   240 STORAGE UNIT-   30 INFORMATION PROCESSING DEVICE-   300 CONTROL UNIT-   301 FIRST ACQUISITION UNIT-   302 SECOND ACQUISITION UNIT-   303 SIGNAL PROCESSING UNIT-   304 NOTIFICATION UNIT-   305 OUTPUT CONTROL UNIT-   310 COMMUNICATION UNIT-   320 OPERATING INPUT UNIT-   330 DISPLAY UNIT-   340 STORAGE UNIT

1. An information processing device, comprising: a control unitconfigured to generate, based on control information related to atactile stimulation to be perceived by a user and characteristics of atactile stimulation unit that outputs the tactile stimulation to theuser, a control signal which is inputted to the tactile stimulationunit, wherein the tactile stimulation unit outputs the tactilestimulation to the user based on the generated control signal, thetactile stimulation unit serves to cause the user to perceive thetactile stimulation outputted by the tactile stimulation unit, thecontrol signal is generated by conversion of the control information,and the conversion of the control information is based on a differencebetween characteristics of a reference tactile stimulation unit and thecharacteristics of the tactile stimulation unit.
 2. The informationprocessing device according to claim 1, wherein the control informationincludes information that associates a reference control signal for thereference tactile stimulation unit with information indicating thecharacteristics of the reference tactile stimulation unit.
 3. Theinformation processing device according to claim 1, wherein the controlunit is configured to generate the control signal for the user toperceive the tactile stimulation outputted by the tactile stimulationunit with an intensity same as an intensity of the tactile stimulationindicated by the control information.
 4. The information processingdevice according to claim 3, wherein the tactile stimulation outputtedby the tactile stimulation unit is vibration, and the control unit isfurther configured to generate the control signal by application of aninverse characteristic, of a difference between a frequencycharacteristic of the reference tactile stimulation unit and a frequencycharacteristic of the tactile stimulation unit, to a reference controlsignal included in the control information.
 5. The informationprocessing device according to claim 3, wherein the tactile stimulationoutputted by the tactile stimulation unit is temperature, and thecontrol unit is further configured to generate the control signal byapplication of an inverse characteristic, of a difference between atemperature variation characteristic of the reference tactilestimulation unit and a temperature variation characteristic of thetactile stimulation unit, to a reference control signal that is includedin the control information.
 6. The information processing deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein the control unit is further configured togenerate the control signal that causes the user to perceive the tactilestimulation for which a difference between a maximum value and a minimumvalue of an intensity of the tactile stimulation outputted by thetactile stimulation unit is same as a difference between a maximum valueand a minimum value of an intensity of the tactile stimulation indicatedby the control information.
 7. The information processing deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein the control unit is further configured togenerate the control signal that causes the user to perceive the tactilestimulation outputted by the tactile stimulation unit with same timingcharacteristic as time characteristic of the tactile stimulationindicated by the control information.
 8. The information processingdevice according to claim 1, wherein the control unit is furtherconfigured to generate the control signal that causes the user toperceive the tactile stimulation, outputted by the tactile stimulationunit, at a perceived position which is same as a perceived positionassociated with the tactile stimulation indicated by the controlinformation.
 9. The information processing device according to claim 1,wherein the control unit is further configured to generate the controlsignal based on a placement of the tactile stimulation unit.
 10. Theinformation processing device according to claim 1, wherein the controlunit is further configured to generate the control signal based on atransmission characteristic of the tactile stimulation unit.
 11. Theinformation processing device according to claim 1, wherein the controlunit is further configured to generate the control signal based on aresidual capacity of a battery that is associated with the tactilestimulation unit.
 12. The information processing device according toclaim 1, wherein the control unit is further configured to measure thecharacteristics of the tactile stimulation unit when the tactilestimulation unit is in operation.
 13. The information processing deviceaccording to claim 12, wherein the control unit is further configured tonotify the user of information indicating that the characteristics ofthe tactile stimulation unit are being measured.
 14. The informationprocessing device according to claim 1, wherein a type of the tactilestimulation indicated by the control information is different from atype of the tactile stimulation outputted by the tactile stimulationunit.
 15. The information processing device according to claim 1,wherein the control unit is further configured to record and reusegeneration rules for generation of the control signal from the controlinformation.
 16. The information processing device according to claim 1,wherein the characteristics of the tactile stimulation unit comprises atleast one of transmission characteristics, output characteristics,placement information, and battery information.
 17. The informationprocessing device according to claim 16, wherein the transmissioncharacteristics include a plurality of coefficients to transmit at leastone of vibration, temperature, or electrostimulation outputted by thetactile stimulation unit.
 18. An information processing method,comprising: generating, based on control information related to atactile stimulation to be perceived by a user and characteristics of atactile stimulation unit that outputs the tactile stimulation to theuser, a control signal which is inputted to the tactile stimulationunit, wherein the tactile stimulation unit outputs the tactilestimulation to the user based on the generated control signal, thetactile stimulation unit serves to cause the user to perceive thetactile stimulation outputted by the tactile stimulation unit, thecontrol signal is generated by conversion of the control information,and the conversion of the control information is based on a differencebetween characteristics of a reference tactile stimulation unit and thecharacteristics of the tactile stimulation unit.
 19. A non-transitorycomputer-readable medium having stored thereon, computer-executableinstructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer toexecute operations, the operations comprising: generating, based oncontrol information related to a tactile stimulation to be perceived bya user and characteristics of a tactile stimulation unit that outputsthe tactile stimulation to the user, a control signal which is inputtedto the tactile stimulation unit, wherein the tactile stimulation unitoutputs the tactile stimulation to the user based on the generatedcontrol signal, the tactile stimulation unit serves to cause the user toperceive the tactile stimulation outputted by the tactile stimulationunit, the control signal is generated by conversion of the controlinformation, and the conversion of the control information is based on adifference between characteristics of a reference tactile stimulationunit and the characteristics of the tactile stimulation unit.